Scripture offers an understanding of the source, character and value of love, based on the nature and actions of God.

1 John 4:7-8

God is the source of love

See also

His very character is love

1 Thessalonians 3:12
2 Timothy 1:7
1 John 4:16,19
1 John 3:16; 4:10

See also

The love of God is revealed in the cross of Jesus Christ

John 15:13
Ephesians 5:2,25
Galatians 5:22

See also

Love is part of the Holy Spirit's fruit

Romans 5:5; 15:30
Colossians 1:8
Jeremiah 31:3

The loving-kindness of God referred to in the OT

See also

Exodus 15:13; 34:6
2 Chronicles 6:42
Psalms 6:4; 32:10; 51:1; 107:43
Isaiah 54:10; 63:7
Lamentations 3:22
Hosea 2:19
John 3:16

The love of God in the NT

See also

To describe God's love for humanity

John 5:42; 15:10
Romans 8:39
2 Corinthians 13:14
Ephesians 2:4
Hebrews 12:6
1 John 3:1
Luke 10:27
John 14:21; 21:15

To describe love for God

Romans 8:28
1 Thessalonians 1:3
James 1:12
1 Peter 1:8
1 John 5:3
John 13:35
Romans 13:8

To describe brotherly love

1 Corinthians 16:24
2 Corinthians 8:8
Galatians 5:13
Ephesians 4:2
Philippians 1:9
Colossians 2:2
Philemon 1:5
2 Peter 2:13 fn
Jude 1:12

To describe love expressed by eating together

Luke 11:43
John 3:19; 12:43

To describe love in a negative sense

2 Timothy 4:10
2 Peter 2:15
1 John 2:15
1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Characteristics of love

See also

Romans 12:9
1 Timothy 1:5
1 Peter 1:22
1 John 4:18
1 John 3:17-18

Love is shown by deeds

See also

John 14:15,23
Romans 5:8; 14:15
Galatians 2:20
1 John 4:9; 5:2-3
2 John 1:6
3 John 1:5-6
1 Corinthians 13:13

The pre-eminence of love

See also

Matthew 22:37-39
Romans 13:9-10
1 Corinthians 12:31-13:3

pp Mk 12:29-31

Galatians 5:6
Ephesians 3:17-19
Colossians 3:14
2 Peter 1:7
1 John 2:10

See also

1085 God, love of
2048 Jesus Christ, love of
3203 Holy Spirit, and assurance
3212 Holy Spirit & mission
3254 Holy Spirit, fruit of
5762 attitudes, God's to people
6602 acceptance
6639 election to salvation
7120 Christians
8110 athletics
8124 guidance
8465 progress